Louisiana House Bill HR138

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/1/15
• Passed: 6/2/15

Caption

Commends the United States Congress on passing legislation known as "doc fix" relative to Medicare payments for physician services

Impact

The understanding and framework for physician payments have been fundamentally altered due to this resolution. By commending Congress's bipartisan efforts, HR138 reflects an understanding that collaborative political efforts can produce meaningful reform within major entitlement programs like Medicare. This bill may lead to improvements in the relationships between healthcare providers and Medicare, potentially improving access to care for patients.

Summary

House Resolution 138 commends the United States Congress for successfully passing bipartisan legislation known as the "doc fix," which addresses the payment structure for physician services under Medicare. The resolution highlights the historical context of the doc fix, detailing how Congress had postponed cuts to physician payments multiple times over the past eighteen years. The passage of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 marks a significant change in Medicare policy aimed at stabilizing physician payments.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR138 is notably positive, recognizing bipartisan cooperation as essential for addressing critical national issues like healthcare. Advocates believe that the successful passage of the doc fix solution serves as a model for future collaborative efforts in dealing with other pressing concerns within the healthcare system and beyond. This resolution embodies an optimistic view of Congress's potential amidst ongoing partisanship, highlighting that progress can occur when political divisions are set aside.

Contention

Notably, there is an implied contention regarding the sustainability of physician payment structures and healthcare reforms moving forward. While the resolution celebrates a significant achievement, it also brings to light the challenges that Congress has faced in reaching bipartisan agreement. Future debates may arise concerning the adequacy of these reforms and the ongoing need for adjustments to ensure that Medicare remains sustainable and effective in meeting the needs of American citizens.